'Perez prepared Melindo for world title fight'

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines – ALA Promotions’ Michael Aldeguer said Milan Melindo’s close battle against Venezuela’s Jean Piero Perez was a good preparation for a possible world title bout next year.

Perez has given Melindo his toughest bout in last weekend's Pinoy Pride XVI, forcing the unbeaten Cagayan de Oro native to fight it out despite a bloody cut under the left eye.

Melindo eventually secured a unanimous decision over the former interim World Boxing Association flyweight champion.

"The fight was good for Milan to prepare him for a world title," said Aldeguer in RingTV.

"That's why we took a chance on Perez for Milan to know what he needs to work on before he fights for a world title. I am sure Milan learned a lot and it will help him become a better fighter," added the promoter.

Melindo, now with a record of 27 wins and no loss, is hoping to get a fight either against fellow Filipino and World Boxing Organization flyweight king Brian Viloria or South African Moruti Mthalane, the International Boxing Federation title holder.